Medical device system

ABSTRACT

A first portable medical device is adapted for use in an interlocking system for interlocking the first medical device to a second medical device. The first device includes a housing having opposite sides, a selective element, a blocking element, and a clamp mechanism. At least one of the opposite sides includes a matable element to detachably attach a second medical device. The selective element restricts the attachment of the second device to only one side of the first device. The blocking element prevents a third medical device from attaching to the first and second devices once the first and second devices are attached. The clamp restricts the attachment of the second device to only one side of the first device when the clamp is attached to a support member. The clamp permits slide-ratcheting axial movement of a clamp shaft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of medical devices,and more particularly to the field of point of care medical devicesincluding but not limited to infusion pumps, monitors, and diagnosticequipment. The invention provides a portable point of care system thatincludes one or more medical devices mountable on a pole stand, bedrailor other supporting structure in close proximity to a patient. Theinvention includes means and methods for interlocking the medicaldevices together, preventing undesirable arrangements and combinationsof medical devices, mounting the medical devices on the main supportingstructure, and automatically providing wireless communication betweenthe medical devices.

In modern medical practice a variety of diagnostic and therapeuticdevices are used, sometimes to such a degree that floor and shelf spacenear the patient's bedside is at a premium. One known solution to theproblem of mounting medical devices is the use a pole stand. Often suchpole stands have wheels for the convenience of the patient or medicalpersonnel in moving the devices where they are needed, but wheeled polestands can become unbalanced upon, for example, crossing thresholds orexiting elevators.

Some manufacturers have mounted a central management unit and infusionpump modules in a vertically stacked configuration on a pole stand, asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,756,706 and 4,898,578. Vertically stackedconfigurations can make identification, routing and management of theassociated intravenous (IV) tubes confusing and difficult. Manufacturersalso have interlocked interchangeable independently functioning singlechannel pumps in a horizontal arrangement for attachment at a particularvertical location on a pole stand, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,431,509. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,713,856; 5,941,846 and 5,601,445 disclose acentral control unit and a plurality of horizontally arranged detachablepump and/or sensor modules. Other manufacturers have developed multiplechannel pumps, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,378,231 and Des.367,528. However, in the vast majority of applications a single channelpump or single pump module will suffice to meet the caregiver's needs,and customers generally are not inclined to pay the substantial premiumneeded to cover the manufacturing cost of a multiple channel pump or anelaborate interlocking means. Thus, there is a need for an improvedsystem of medical devices.

A primary objective of the present invention is the provision of animproved system of interlockable portable medical devices that onlyallows two medical devices to be joined together.

Another objective of the present invention is the provision of animproved system of interlockable portable medical devices.

A further objective of the present invention is the provision of animproved clamp mechanism, for mounting a medical device to a supportmember, which restricts the attachment of a second medical device toonly one side of a first medical device when the clamp mechanism isattached to a support member.

A still further objective of the present invention is the provision ofan improved clamp mechanism that permits slide-ratcheting axial movementof the clamp shaft.

These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first portable medical device is adapted for use in an interlockingsystem for interlocking the first medical device to a second medicaldevice. The first device includes a housing having opposite sides, aselective element, a blocking element, a clamp mechanism, and wherein atleast one of the opposite sides includes a first matable element todetachably interconnect a second medical device to the first medicaldevice. The selective element restricts the attachment of the seconddevice to only one of the opposite sides of the first device. Theblocking element prevents a third medical device from attaching toeither the first or second device once the first and second devices areattached. The clamp mechanism restricts the attachment of the seconddevice to only one side of the first device when the clamp mechanism isattached to a support member. The clamp mechanism also permitsslide-ratcheting axial movement of a clamp shaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a medical device adapted for usein a medical device system according to the present invention;

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of another medical device adaptedfor use in a medical device system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the medicaldevice system of this invention wherein two medical devices are joinedtogether in side-by-side relationship;

FIG. 2A is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of the medicaldevice system of this invention wherein two medical devices are joinedtogether in side-by-side relationship;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a clamping mechanism of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3A is a cross sectional side view of the clamping mechanism of thepresent invention taken along line 3A-3A in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a partial rear exploded perspective view of the device of FIG.2A;

FIG. 5 is a partial front exploded perspective view of the device ofFIG. 2A; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative clampingmechanism of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

In the description and figures, components that are similar orsubstantially identical in function or structure are designated withsimilar or identical reference numerals.

The medical device system 10 (FIG. 2), 10A (FIG. 2A) of the presentinvention includes a plurality of portable medical devices 122 (FIG. 1)and 14 (FIG. 1A) or 14L and 14R (FIG. 2A) that are capable of beingdetachably interlocked together. Devices 12, 14, 14L, or 14R can bedevices for performing similar tasks or devices for performing differenttasks as described below. For the sake of brevity the devices 14L, 14R,which are labeled to indicate their respective positions on the left andright of the system 10A when viewed from the front, are sometimesreferenced in a generic sense by reference numeral 14. In the context ofthe present invention, the term “medical device” includes withoutlimitation a device that acts upon a cassette, reservoir, vial, syringe,or tubing to convey medication or fluid to or from a patient (forexample, an infusion pump, a patient controlled analgesia (PCA) or painmanagement medication pump, or a suction pump), a monitor for monitoringpatient vital signs or other parameters, or a diagnostic device.

For the purpose of exemplary illustration only, the medical devices 12,14, 14L, and 14R are all disclosed as infusion pumps. More particularly,the medical device 12 can be a single channel infusion pump and themedical devices 14L and 14R can be dual channel infusion pumps. Thepumps 12 and 14 have housings 16 and 16A respectively. Each housing 16,16A includes generally opposite side walls 17L, 17R and generallyopposite back and front walls 18B, 18F. A user interface touch screen 20is mounted in the front wall of housing 16, 16A so as to be visible andaccessible from the front of the device.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 2A, at least one, and more preferably both,of the medical devices or pumps 12, 14 has a releasable clampingmechanism 22 attached thereto for detachably mounting the device 12 or14 to a support structure or member, such as a tabletop edge or pole 24.In the context of this invention, a “pole” should be understood toinclude without limitation an elongated bar, rail, tubular member, beamor pin on a pole stand, bed, wall or other structure for supporting themedical device. The pole 24 can be configured and oriented in a varietyof known ways, including without limitation as a bed rail extending in agenerally horizontal direction or as an upright tubular member extendingin a generally vertical direction on a pole stand. For the sake ofbrevity only the clamping mechanism 22 on the pump 12 is describedbelow, but the clamping mechanism 22 on pump 14, if provided, can besubstantially identical.

As best seen in FIGS. 2, 2A, 3 and 3A, the clamping mechanism 22 of thepresent invention has a substantially rigid clamp body 26 that ispivotally and preferably removably attached to the pump housing 16 andincludes a pole-receiving slot 28 for receiving the pole 24. The clampbody 26 defines generally opposing first and second jaws 30, 32 that atleast partially surround the pole-receiving slot 28. One skilled in theart will appreciate that many different clamp body shapes can beutilized without detracting from the invention, including withoutlimitation a generally L-shaped, U-shaped, J-shaped, G-shaped orC-shaped clamp body.

A clamp shaft 34 is movably mounted on the first jaw 30. The clamp shaft34 has opposite ends 36, 38 and a ratchet portion 40 therebetween. Thefirst jaw 30 has a clamp shaft receiving hole 42 formed therein, andmore preferably therethrough, for receiving bushings 43 and the ratchetportion 40 of the clamp shaft 34. The distal end 36 of the clamp shaft34 extends from the first jaw 30 toward the second jaw 32. A pressurepad 44 connects, or more preferably attaches, to the distal end 36.

The proximal end 38 of the clamp shaft 34 has displacement means 46connected thereto for selectively moving the clamp shaft 34 axially andapplying a torque to the clamp shaft 34. While one skilled in the artwill appreciate that the displacement means 46 for moving or turning theclamp shaft could include a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, electricstepper motor, or other powered displacement devices, a simple manualhand knob 48 can be connected to the clamp shaft 34, preferably to theproximal end 38 on the opposite side of the first jaw 30.

A clutch mechanism 50 can be operatively interposed between the knob 48and the clamp shaft 34. The clutch mechanism 50 can be a ratchet type orany other known type for preventing the tightening torque applied to theclamp shaft from exceeding a predefined torque limit. Individualsmanually installing the pump 12, 14 on the pole 24 will have differentstrength capabilities for applying torque to the hand knob 48. Theclutch mechanism 50 insures that a consistent clamping force is appliedto the pole 24 and prevents overtightening, which insures that thetorque required to release the clamp mechanism from the pole isconsistent and well within the capabilities of most individuals.

The ratchet portion 40 of the clamp shaft 34 has ratchet teeth.Preferably the ratchet teeth comprise external threads 51. The threads51 can be any type of helical threads without detracting from theinvention, but more preferably the threads 51 are pull-type buttressthreads. As is well known in the mechanical arts, buttress threads havea pressure, thrust or load flank that is nearly perpendicular (with lessthan ten, and more preferably about five to seven, and typically aboutfive degrees inclination allowed for cutter clearance) to the threadaxis of the shaft and a clearance flank, lead flank or thread angle thatis about fifty to forty-five degrees. Preferably, the buttress threadsutilized in this invention have a pressure flank 52 directed toward theproximal end 38 of the clamp shaft 34 and a lead flank 54 directedtoward the distal end 36 of the clamp shaft 34.

A selectively releasable positioning means or travel control means 56 ismovably mounted on the clamp body 26. The travel control means 56includes a release button 58 that has at least one pawl 59 adapted tomatingly engage the threads 51 on the clamp shaft 34 and means forbiasing the pawl 59 into engagement with the threads 51. The releaselever or button 58 and pawl 59 are shown as a unitary body; however, itwill be understood that the release lever 58 and pawl 59 may be providedas separate pieces. The release button 58 is movably mounted in a hole60 in the first jaw 30. The hole 60 intersects the clearance hole 42 asshown. The release button 58 is preferably an elongated pin with a slot62 extending transversely therethrough. The slot 62 receives the clampshaft 34 and has a length greater than the major diameter of the threads51 on the clamp shaft 34. The width of the slot 62 is slightly greaterthan the major diameter of the threads 51. The slot 62 includes the pawl59 as a portion thereof and has a thread on a wall thereof for matingly,engaging the ratchet portion 40 of the clamp shaft 34. The pawl 59 isnormally biased into mating engagement with the ratchet portion 40 ofthe clamp shaft 34 by a biasing means 64 (such as a spring or othersimilar device) operatively interposed between the release button 58 andthe first jaw 30.

In operation, the travel control means 56 is configured and arranged tonormally resist axial movement of the clamp shaft 34 in a direction awayfrom the pole-receiving slot 28. The travel control means 56 alsopermits a user to apply an axial force to the clamp shaft 34 sufficientto overcome the biasing force of the biasing means 64, to permitslide-ratcheting axial movement of the clamp shaft 34 in a directiontoward the opening pole-receiving slot 28.

Alternatively, in some applications it is desirable to preventslide-ratcheting axial movement of the clamp shaft 34 if axial force isinadvertently applied to the clamp shaft 34. In this case the biasingmeans 64 is selected to provide sufficient spring force to preventnormal user force on the clamp shaft 34 from causing slide-ratchetingaxial movement of the clamp shaft 34 without the user also deactivatingthe travel control means 56.

A biasing means 66 (such as a spring or other similar device) isoperatively interposed between the first jaw 30 and a ledge 68 on theclamp shaft 34. A bellows element 70 encloses the clamp shaft 34 andbiasing means 66. The bellows element 70 protects a user from contactingthe clamp shaft 34 and biasing means 66 moving parts.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the clamp mechanism 22 is adapted to berotatably associated with the medical device housing 16A or 16 (notshown). The clamp mechanism 22 includes a clamp lug 72 whichrotationally mates with a housing lug 74. The clamp lug 72 includesextended ear elements 76 that correspond in shape and size to earrecesses 78 in the housing lug 74. The ear recesses 78 receive theextended ear elements 76. Once the clamp mechanism 22 is rotated, theclamp lug 72 mates with housing lug 74 to removably secure the clampmechanism 22 to the medical device housing 16A.

A pivot latch 80 is movably mounted on the clamp body 26. The pivotlatch 80 permits an operator to selectively lock the clamp mechanism 22in a select one of a plurality of rotational positions with respect tothe housing 16A. These rotational positions are defined by the recesses82 of the housing lug 74. The pivot latch 80 is normally biased intomating engagement with the recesses 82 of the housing lug 74 by abiasing means 84 (such as a spring or other similar device) operativelyinterposed between the pivot latch 80 and the clamp body 26.

As best seen in FIGS. 3-5, the clamp body 26 has a hole 86 therein forslidably receiving a locking element 88. As will be discussed in greaterdetail below, the locking element 88 applies force on a component of themedical device 14 when the clamp body 26 is affixed to a support member24 (FIG. 2A). As shown, the locking element 88 includes a supportcontact element 90 that contacts a support member 24 and is connected toa transfer pin 92 for locking the selected component of the medicaldevice 14 to a restricted range of motion, and a main body 93 extendingbetween the support contact element 90 and the transfer pin 92. Althoughthe main body 93, support contact element 90, and transfer pin 92 areshown as a unitary member, one skilled in the art will appreciate thatthey can be separate components without detracting from the invention.For example, the contact element 90 and transfer pin 92 can be a unitarymember that is movable with respect to the main body 93 or all threeparts can be separate components.

The transfer pin 92 is normally biased toward the pole-receiving slot 28and away from the housing 16A by a biasing means 94 (such as a spring orother similar device) operatively interposed between the main body 93and the clamp body 26. A washer 95 provides a seat for the biasing means94 and retains the main body 93 in the opening 86 when a retaining ring97 is installed in a retaining groove 99 in the opening 86. The washer95 has a hole 101 through which the transfer pin 92 slidably extends.Thus when the clamp body 26 is mounted on the housing 16A the biasingmeans 94 is also operatively interposed between the housing 16A and themain body 93.

Other designs of locking element are contemplated. For instance, thelocking element 88 could apply only a frictional force to the selectedcomponent of the medical device 14.

As best seen in FIGS. 2A, 4 and 5, the medical device 14 includes afirst matable element 102 positioned on the side wall 17R and a secondmatable element 104 positioned on the side wall 17L. The first matableelement 102 is formed as a female T-slot in the housing 16A. The secondmatable element 104 is formed as a male T-slide attached to the housing16A. Alternatively, the first matable element 102 is formed as a femaledovetail in the housing 16A, and the second matable element 104 isformed a male dovetail attached to the housing 16A. Another alternativeembodiment is to merely provide at least one of the opposite sides ofthe medical devices 14R, 14L with a matable element for detachablyinterconnecting to the matable element of the other medical device andattaching the first and second medical devices together. In other words,the unused matable elements in FIGS. 2A, 4, and 5 could be removed oromitted.

The first matable element 102 includes a ramped portion 103 at its upperend. The ramped portion 103 allows for a greater degree of freedom whena user initially mates the first matable element 102 to the secondmatable element 104. Likewise, the second matable element 104 includes atapered portion 105 at its lower end. The tapered portion 105 allows fora greater degree of freedom when a user initially mates the firstmatable element 102 to the second matable element 104. Without suchramped portion 103 and/or tapered portion 105, the first matable element102 and second matable element 104 would need to be precisely aligned toproperly mate together.

Although it may differ in the clinical function or task it performs,with respect to its attachment or connectology features, the secondmedical device 14R is substantially identical to the first medicaldevice 14L. The second medical device 14R includes second matableelement 104 positioned on the side wall 17L for detachablyinterconnecting to the corresponding first matable element 102 of thefirst medical device 14L, attaching the first and second medical devices14L, 14R.

Once first and second medical devices 14L, 14R are joined, a latchelement 106 extending through latch port 107 in the second medicaldevice 14R side wall 17L mates with a corresponding latch notch 108 onthe first medical device 14L side wall 17R. The latch element 106detachably locks the first and second devices 14L, 14R together, andprevents the first and second matable elements 102 and 104 from beinguncoupled.

The latch element 106 is formed as a portion of a transfer plate 110.The transfer plate 110 extends through both side walls 17L and 17R ofthe device 14. The transfer plate 110 also includes a biasing means 111(such as a spring or other similar device) operatively interposedbetween the transfer plate 110 and the housing 16A for laterally biasingthe latch element 106 toward the latch notch 108. When the latch element106 is engaged to a corresponding latch notch 108, the transfer plate110 is slightly displaced relative to the housing 16A and the side walls17L and 17R. This displacement causes a blocking element 112 of thetransfer plate 110 to extend through a blocking port 114 in the secondmedical device 14R side wall 17L. When the blocking element 112 isextended, no additional medical device can be joined to the secondmedical device 14R.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, a latch post 109 is formed as aportion of a transfer plate 110. The latch post 109 is located along anupper edge of latch element 106 and mates with a corresponding undercutportion (not shown) located on the upper surface 113 of latch notch 108.In normal operation, the latch post 109 does not engage undercut portionof latch notch 108. However, in situations where a user is carrying twodevices 12, 14 or 14L, 14R connected together by the handle of the rightmost device (14R), the latch post 109 prevents unintentional release ofthe latch element 106. Without latch post 109 and the undercut onsurface 113, such an unintentional release would cause the left mostdevice (14L or 12) to release out of attachment and to free fall.However, with the latch post 109, the latch element 106 mates with thecorresponding undercut portion of latch notch 108 when the two devices(12 and 14R or 14L and 14R) are lifted only by the handle of the rightmost device (14R), and thus only slight relative movement is permittedbetween the two devices.

As best seen in FIGS. 2A, 4 and 5, likewise, the blocking element 112 ofthe first medical device 14L abuts the second medical device 14R sidewall 17L, and prevents the transfer plate 110 of the first medicaldevice 14L from moving. Thus, the latch element 106 of the first medicaldevice 14L is likewise prevented from moving, which will also block anyadditional medical device from being joined to the side wall 17L offirst medical device 14L.

Thus both blocking element 112 of the second medical device 14R and thelatch element 106 of the first medical device 14L act as a blockingmeans for preventing a third medical device 12 or 14 from attaching toeither the first or second medical device 14L or 14R once the first andsecond medical devices 14L, 14R are attached. This operation of ablocking means for preventing the connection of a third medical device12 or 14 prevents the support surface 24 from bearing too much weight orfrom having an unbalanced weight placed on it sufficient to topple thesupport surface 24. For instance, the support surface 24 will typicallybe an IV stand. As shown in FIG. 2, two devices 14L, 14R (as explainedbelow, device 12 could replace the device 14L) joined together place asomewhat unbalanced weight placed on the support surface 24. The two ofthe devices 12 and/or 14 joined together do not have a weight sufficientto topple the support surface 24. However, if a third medical device 12or 14 was attached, there could be an unbalanced weight sufficient totopple the support surface 24. Thus, the blocking means prevents theuser from the hazard of hanging too many connected medical device 12 or14 from the support surface 24.

When it is desired to uncouple the first and second medical devices 14L,14R, a release element 116 on the second medical device 14R is actuatedby the user. The release element 116 includes a tab 118 that permits theuser to manually actuate the release element and base 120 extending fromthe tab 118 to contact the transfer plate 110 at a surface 122 thereof.The release element 116 also includes a biasing means 121 (such as aspring or other similar device) operatively interposed between the base120 and the housing 16A for downwardly biasing the release element 116.When the release element 116 is actuated, the base 120 shifts thetransfer plates 110, uncoupling the latch element 106 of the secondmedical device 14R from the corresponding latch notch 108 of the firstmedical device 14L. When this is done the user can uncouple the malematable element 104 of the second medical device 14R from thecorresponding female matable element 102 of the first medical device14L.

As best seen in FIGS. 2A, 4 and 5, once a lone first medical device 14Lis attached to a support structure 24, the support structure 24 presseson the support contact element 90 of the locking element 88. Thepressure on the support contact element 90 displaces the entire lockingelement 88, thus moving the transfer pin 92 towards transfer plate 110.The transfer pin 92 engages a corresponding pin slot 124 portion of thetransfer plate 110, securing the transfer plate 110 to a restrictedrange of motion. The pin slot 124 is shown as a hole in the transferplate 110, but may also be formed as depression in the transfer plate110. However, where other designs of locking element are utilized, thepin slot 124 may not be an essential component. For instance, it iscontemplated that the locking element 88 could apply only a frictionalforce to the transfer plate 110 of the medical device 14. In this case,the pin slot 124 would not be needed.

The pin slot 124 is oriented and arranged to receive the transfer pin92, even in cases where two devices are joined (FIGS. 2 and 2A) and thedevice 14L is attached to the support structure 24. In this situation,the transfer plate 110 of device 14R is slightly displaced when thelatch element 106 of device 14R is engaged to a corresponding latchnotch 108 in either device 12 or 14L.

Once the locking element 88 secures the transfer plate 110 to arestricted range of motion, the latch element 106 remains in an extendedposition through latch port 107 in the medical device 14L side wall 17L.The restricted extended latch element 106 of the first medical device14L will block any additional medical device from being joined to theside wall 17L of first medical device 14L. Thus the locking element 88fixing the latch element 106 operates as a selective means forrestricting the attachment of the second medical device 14R to only theside wall 17R of first medical device 14L when first medical device 14Lhas been previously secured to support structure 24. Accordingly, it canbe seen that when a separate first medical device 14L has been, securedto support structure 24, any attachment of another device (e.g. secondmedical device 14R) can only be made to a predetermined side, i.e., sidewall 17R, of first medical device 14L.

This operation of a selective means for restricting the attachment ofthe second medical device 14R to only one side of the first medicaldevice 14L lessens the potential for operator confusion when the secondmedical device 14R is being attached to a first medical device 14L thathas been previously secured to support structure 24. For instance, wherethe first medical device 14L is a medical pump having defined first andsecond channels or pump mechanisms, when the first medical device 14L isattached by itself to support structure 24, there is little confusion asto where the first and second channels are located. Typically, the firstchannel will be located near side wall 17L and the second channel willbe located near side wall 17R, with the user interface touch screen 20disposed between the first and second channels. However, in instanceswhere a second medical device 14R having defined third and fourthchannels is later added to the first medical device 14L, placement ofthe second medical device 14R adjacent to the side wall 17L wouldincrease the potential for user confusion. In such a case, the set ofdevices 14L, 14R would have a series of channels running from left toright in the following order: the third channel, the fourth channel, thefirst channel, and then the second channel. In order to prevent suchconfusion of channels in the use of the medical device system 10, 10A ofthe present invention, the selective means restricts the attachment ofthe second medical device 14R to only the side wall 17R of first medicaldevice 14L, so that the channels running from left to right will havethe following order: the first channel, the second channel, the thirdchannel, and then the fourth channel.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, while the above system 10A forinterconnecting medical devices is operable with any device 14 havingthe same interconnectable design, it is also designed to operate with adevice 12 of system 10. As best understood in view of FIGS. 5 and 5A,the portable medical device 12 includes some features similar to thedevice 14, so that the devices 12 and 14 can be joined together;however, several components found in the device 14 (latch port 107,transfer plate 110, blocking port 114, and release element 116) are notincluded in the device 12. This design permits a user to distinguishbetween the two devices 12, 14, prevents undesirable arrangements andcombinations, and also reduces the manufacturing cost as well asimproving the reliability of the device 12 as compared to the device 14.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, while the above system 10A forinterconnecting medical devices is operable with any device 14 havingthe same interconnectable design, it is also designed to operate with adevice 12 of system 10. The portable medical device 12 includes somefeatures similar to the device 14, so that the devices 12 and 14 can bejoined together; however, several components found in the device 14(latch port 107, transfer plate 110, blocking port 114, and releaseelement 116) are not included in the device 12. This design permits auser to distinguish between the two devices 12, 14, prevents undesirablearrangements and combinations, and also reduces the manufacturing costas well as improving the reliability of the device 12 as compared to thedevice 14.

However, unlike the device 14, the device 12 has no elements on itsopposite side wall 17L for connecting to any other medical device 12 or14. This lack of elements on one side wall 17L of device 12, allows thedevice 12 to prevent a second medical device 14 from being attached tothe left of a first device 12, including when the first device 12 issecured to a support 24. Thus the lack of elements on one side wall 17Lof device 12 acts as a selective means for restricting the attachment ofa second medical device 14 to only one of the opposite sides of thefirst medical device 12.

The lack of elements on one side wall 17L of first device 12 alsoprevents any device 12 or 14 from attaching to that side wall 17L of thefirst device 12. The latch notch 108 of the first device 12 also acts toactivate the blocking element 112 on the second device 14 to prevent athird medical device 12 or 14 from being joined to the second device 14.Thus the lack of elements acts as a blocking means for preventing athird medical device 12 or 14 from attaching to either the first orsecond medical devices once the first and second medical devices 12, 14are attached to one another.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 1A, 2 and 2A, each of the medical devices 12,14 includes at least one transceiver 126. The medical device 12 isprovided with one transceiver 126 located on the side 17R of the device12 that has the matable element 102 positioned thereon. Each medicaldevice 14 is provided with one transceiver 126 on each side 17L and 17Rof the device 14. The transceiver 126 (not shown) positioned on side 17Rof the first medical device 14L is aligned with the correspondingtransceiver 126 positioned on side 17L of the second medical device 14Rfor communication between the medical devices 14L, 14R once the medicaldevices 14L, 14R are attached. The aligned transceivers 126 permit themedical devices 14L, 14R to communicate to one another. The transceivers126 can be adapted for wireless communication or can physically contacteach other once aligned. The transceivers 126 can be of various types,including but not limited to infrared, blue tooth, or radio frequency.For instance, the aligned transceivers 126 permit the medical devices14L, 14R to synchronize activities and/or share data including but notlimited to: time, patient information, drugs in use, pressure, flowdata, total infusion volume, and historical logged information.

As best seen in FIG. 6, an alternative clamping mechanism 222 of thepresent invention has a substantially rigid clamp body 226 that ispivotally and preferably removably attached to the pump housing 16 or16A (not shown) and includes a pole-receiving slot 228 for receiving thepole (not shown). The clamp body 226 defines generally opposing firstand second jaws 230, 232 that at least partially surround thepole-receiving slot 228.

A clamp shaft 234 is movably mounted on the first jaw 230. The clampshaft 234 has opposite ends 236, 238 and a ratchet portion 240therebetween. The first jaw 230 has a hole 242 formed therein, and morepreferably therethrough, for receiving bushing 243 and the ratchetportion 240 of the clamp shaft 234. The distal end 236 of the clampshaft 234 extends from the first jaw 230 toward the second jaw 232. Apressure pad 244 connects, or more preferably attaches, to the distalend 236. The proximal end 238 of the clamp shaft 234 has displacementmeans 246. Biasing means 266 (such as a spring or other similar device)is operatively interposed between the first jaw 230 and the clamp shaft234. A bellows element 270 encloses the clamp shaft 234 and biasingmeans 266.

A selectively releasable positioning means or travel control means 256is movably mounted on the first jaw 230. The travel control means 256includes a release lever 258 that has at least one pawl 259 adapted tomatingly engage the ratchet portion 240 on the clamp shaft 34 and meansfor biasing the pawl 259 into engagement with the ratchet portion 240.The release lever 258 and pawl 259 are shown as a unitary body; however,it will be understood that the release lever 258 and pawl 259 may beprovided as separate pieces. The release lever 258 is positionedadjacent a hole 260 in the first jaw 230. The release lever 258 ispivotally mounted to the first jaw 230 by pin 261. The pawl 259 ispositioned exterior to the first jaw 230 at an outer end of the hole242, within the pole-receiving slot 228. The pawl 259 is normally biasedinto mating engagement with the ratchet portion 240 of the clamp shaft234 by a biasing means 264 (such as a spring or other similar device)positioned within hole 260, and which is operatively interposed betweenthe release lever 258 and the first jaw 230.

In operation, the travel control means 256 is configured and arranged tonormally resist axial movement of the clamp shaft 234 in a directionaway from the pole-receiving slot 228. The travel control means 256 alsopermits a user to apply an axial force to the clamp shaft 234 sufficientto overcome the biasing force of the biasing means 264, to permitslide-ratcheting axial movement of the clamp shaft 234 in a directiontoward the opening pole-receiving slot 228.

Alternatively, in some applications it is desirable to prevent theslide-ratcheting axial movement of the clamp shaft 234 if axial force isinadvertently applied to the clamp shaft 234. In this case the biasingmeans 264 is selected so as to have sufficient spring force to preventnormal user force on the clamp shaft 234 from causing slide-ratchetingaxial movement of the clamp shaft 234 without the user also deactivatingthe travel control means 256.

It is therefore seen that this invention provides an improved system ofinterlockable portable medical devices that only allows two medicaldevices to be joined together. The invention also provides an improvedsystem of interlockable portable medical devices. In addition, theinvention provides an improved clamp mechanism, for mounting a medicaldevice to a support member, which restricts the attachment of a secondmedical device to only one side of a first medical device when the clampmechanism is attached to a support member. Finally, the inventionprovides an improved clamp mechanism that permits quick slide-ratchetingaxial movement of the clamp shaft.

It is therefore seen that this invention will accomplish at least all ofits stated objectives.

1. A system for interlocking a plurality of portable medical devices ina side-by-side relationship, the system comprising: the plurality ofportable medical devices including a first medical device and a secondmedical device; the first medical device including a housing havingopposite sides, at least one of the opposite sides including a matableelement; the second medical device including a housing having oppositesides, at least one of the opposite sides of the housing of the secondmedical device including a matable element for detachablyinterconnecting to the matable element on the first medical devicehousing and attaching the first and second medical devices; wherein atleast one of the medical devices includes a blocking means forpreventing a third medical device from attaching to either one of thefirst medical device and the second medical device once the firstmedical device and the second medical device are attached; and whereinthe at least one of the medical devices is provided with only a singlematable element, constituting the blocking means.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the first medical device is provided with two matableelements, a first matable element being located on one of the firstmedical device housing sides and a second matable element being locatedon the first medical device housing opposite side.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the blocking means includes a blocking elementassociated with the first medical device which blocks attachment of athird medical device to the first medical device once the first andsecond medical devices are attached.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereinat least one of the medical devices includes a latch element whichdetachably locks the first and second medical devices together once thefirst and second medical devices are attached.
 5. The system of claim 4,wherein a release element is operatively associated with the latchelement, the release element permitting a user to selectively disengagethe latch element.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the first medicaldevice includes the latch element, the first medical device is providedwith two matable elements where one matable element is located on eachof the first medical device housing opposite sides, and wherein theblocking means includes the latch element which extends from the firstmedical housing side that is not adjacent the attached second medicaldevice, the latch element being secured in a position which prevents athird medical device from being added to the first medical device oncethe first and second medical devices are attached.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second medical devices each include atransceiver, the transceivers being aligned for communication betweenthe medical devices once the first and second medical devices areattached.
 8. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the matableelement on the first medical device includes a ramped portion allowingthe matable element on the second medical device to mate therewith whensaid matable elements are not precisely aligned.
 9. A system inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the matable element on the secondmedical device includes a tapered portion allowing the matable elementon the first medical device to mate therewith when said matable elementsare not precisely aligned.
 10. A system in accordance with claim 1,wherein matable elements are corresponding male T-slides and femaleT-slots.